First-time campaigners bid for judge’s seat

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Two political newbies bidding for a Superior Court judgeship are taking lessons from some of the county’s better-known political bigwigs.

Attorney and former San Bruno Mayor George Corey, known for his influence in local law circles and beyond, has thrown his support behind Deputy District Attorney Susan Etezadi. Not to be out done, Lisa Maguire is getting some pointers from former state Senator and current Superior Court Judge Quentin Kopp. Maguire also has the support of retiring Judge John Schwartz, who the two are vying to replace.

For both candidates, any advice on how to raise the large sum needed to get their names out to voters could prove key. "I have a lot of people giving me $100 at a time, so the thought of trying to get $100,000 in the next two months is daunting," Maguire said. According to the latest fundraising records, Maguire has raised nearly $13,000, including a $4,600 self-loan. She’s spent about one-third of that.

Etezadi, who didn’t officially begin her campaign until after the March 17 campaign disclosure date, received $30,000 from fellow Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Hill. Etezadi has also loaned herself about $20,000, according to her campaign coordinator Richard Silver. Silver, executive director of the Rail Passenger Association of California, has made his return to political consulting after 15 years to run Etezadi’s campaign.

"The judgeship is something beyond a ‘pre-retirement gig,’" said Maguire, a former county prosecutor herself who currently runs her own law practice, focused primarily on criminal defense and family law. "I would like to be involved in efforts to reach out to kids when they’re young to keep them out of gangs, and encourage other judges to become more publicly involved in the community."

With more murder prosecutions than any other woman in the county and 21 years with the District Attorney’s Office, Etezadi has the support of a large law enforcement contingent, including Sheriff Don Horsley.

Hill, who was mentored by Etezadi after coming on board as a prosecutor five years ago, said Etezadi would make an outstanding judge. "She’s fair and compassionate," Hill said.

What sets her apart from Maguire is her experience in specialty units with the District Attorney’s Office, including homicide, sexual assault, career criminal and insurance fraud to environmental law, Etezadi said.